The RAT31DL radar system has been designed to meet the requirements of NATO countries and to operate in heavy clutter and electronic countermeasures (ECM) environments. In addition, the RAT31DL radar also provides situational awareness against tactical ballistic missiles.

Finmeccanica's SELEX Sistemi Integrati is the manufacturer, formerly Alenia Marconi Systems, and has developed the RAT 31 DL/FADR for air defense purposes and the RAT 31 DL/M which is a long range 3D air surveillance mobile radar derived from successful RAT 31 DL. RAT 31 DL/M outstands for its enhanced mobility and transportability which translates into improved deployability.

In August 2005, the German Defense Procurement Agency (BWB) placed an order for two RAT 31 DL/M radar systems to be operated by the German Air Force.